27 Family Friendly Festivals UK 2024, Great Alternatives To Glastonbury

The UK has many family-friendly festivals with something to offer everyone. From music and comedy to food and drink, there’s something for all ages to enjoy. Today we will share the top Family Friendly Festivals UK 2024 Voted by Parents: Dates to help you plan! These are great family-friendly alternatives to Glastonbury.

What You Will Find Here

Should You Take Your Family To A Festival?

Festivals offer a unique opportunity for families to come together, bond over shared experiences, and create lasting memories. Whilst also providing exposure to different cultures and traditions, entertainment, education, and a break from the stresses of daily life. Through these shared experiences, families can deepen their connections and learn new things. Plus enjoy fun activities together, ultimately strengthening their relationships and well-being.

These Family-friendly festivals typically offer various activities, such as live performances, arts and crafts, interactive games, food and drink options, and educational workshops. These cater to all ages and interests, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy. And even better this list is the festivals we know parents love as they told us. And check out our free printable family festival calendar for 2024.

Festival Planner Guide For Kids with all the top rated festivals for the year

Dates of Family Friendly Festivals UK 2024 from the beginning of the year to the end.

You can also find Six Top Family Friendly Festivals in Scotland here.

10 Top Tips for Surviving Festivals with Kids

Family Friendly Festivals In May 2024

1. Elderflower Fields South 2024 – Family Festivals 2024

East Sussex, 24th -27th May 2024

Elderflower Fields is a small, safe and friendly festival designed especially for families with younger children. They believe in the transformative power of spending time immersed in nature, letting kids be a little bit wild and free, and appreciating great food and the arts with friends.

Here’s what we thought of Elderflower Field Festival 2019 and some tips for Elderflower Fields Festival in 2024.

Weekend Tickets – www.elderflowerfields.co.uk

We’ve sold over half our Elderflower 2019 tickets – wow!

2. The Big Retreat Festival 2024

Pembrokeshire 24th-27th May 2024

The Big Retreat Festival is set in the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and is taking place on 24th to 27th May 2024.

There will be over 300 feel-good experiences, along with creative and inspirational learning activities for all the family on offer (all included in your ticket), all curated by The Big Retreat Festival team to delight, restore, and recharge the festival goers. From fitness and yoga classes, bushcraft workshops, bug hunts, water slides, sports coaching, wild swimming, puppet shows, immersive storytelling and so much more …

Early Bird tickets are now available at the Big Retreat Festival 

The Big Retreat 2022 - Owen Howells Photography-285

Family Friendly Festivals In June 2024

3. Wychwood Festival 2024 – Top Family Festivals 2024

Cheltenham Racecourse, 31st May – 2 June 2024

With its laid-back and family-friendly atmosphere, everywhere you look, kids are running around, chasing bubbles, practising circus skills and dancing to the live music—a perfect festival to enjoy live music and chill with friends.  Consistently nominated as the “Best Family Festival” in the UK Festival Awards.

This family festival takes place in beautiful Gloucestershire with over 100 acts performing across four stages, the countryside, wi music, dance and art workshops, a circus school and a programme of talks, debates and comedy for all ages.

A secret pleasure for those who know their festivals.

Returning for their 18th year of unforgettable memories for all the family, with a glorious line-up of music, comedy, literature and workshops

TEXAS   OCEAN COLOUR SCENE

SEASICK STEVE  PETER HOOK & THE LIGHT

 LIGHTNING SEEDS  THE BOOTLEG BEATLES  

THE FEELING  THE HOOSIERS   DEXY’S  STORNOWAY  STEREO MCs THE FUTUREHEADS  BIG COUNTRY 

MARCUS BRIGSTOCKE  BARRIOKE 

PLUS COMEDY LINE-UP AND FAMILY WORKSHOPS  

 You can read Travel Loving Family’s review of Wychwood Festival for 2018 here and  Travel Loving Families’ review of Wychwood Festival here.

Weekend Camping Tickets – . www.wychwoodfestival.com

Dates of the Top 15 Family Friendly Festivals 2018 www.minitravellers.co.uk

Family Friendly Festivals In July 2024

4. Timber Festival 2024 – Family Festivals 2024

Derby, 5-7th July 2024

Timber Festival, we LOVED you! If you’re looking for a very relaxed vibe, a genuinely family-friendly festival where you will feel instantly relaxed, then Timber is your festival. If you’re looking for Mr Tumble, neon lights and famous bands, you’ll need to head elsewhere. Click here to read our full review of the first Timber Festival 2018.

Please look here to read how Rachel got on at Timber Festival in 2019.

Timber Festival 2024 will return to Feanedock on 5th-7th July 2024

Earlybird Weekend Tickets: Day tickets are also available. All tickets are subject to a booking fee. https://timberfestival.org.uk/tickets/

5. The Brit Fest Cheshire 2024 – Family Festivals 2024

Ashley Hall & Showground, Altrincham, 5th to 7th July 2024

NEW for 2024 – The Brit Fest Cheshire boasts an outstanding line-up of live music from artists hailing from the shores of Great Britain, taking place from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 July 2024 in the grounds of Ashley Hall & Showground in Altrincham. In addition to the impressive live music programme, the event will also showcase a real celebration of British culture, the arts, fashion, food and drink, and classic cars – making the festival stand-out as a unique event. 

The day-by-day schedule of acts for the main stage were announced in the past two weeks, opening the festival on Friday 5th July are Scouting for Girls, Cast, The Feeling, Starsailor, Lottery Winners, Reef, Dodgy, Chris Helme and Mike Joyce. On Saturday 6th July, you can see Kim Wilde, Thomson Twins Tom Bailey, Nik Kershaw, Johnny Hates Jazz, Real Thing, Paul Young, Sonia, T’Pau, Owen Paul and Hot Chocolate. Last but not least on the final day Sunday 7th July are Heather Small, Fleur East, Tunde Baiyewu from The Lighthouse Family, Toploader, The Bluetones, The Christians, The South, Cassidy Janson, Matt Ford’s Big Band and Neeve Zahra. Making this an unparalleled music line-up for a brand new festival.

Tickets are now on sale. https://thebritfest.co.uk/

PRICES: Day tickets start from £60 plus booking fee and full Weekend Tickets from £145 plus booking fee.

6. Nozstock 2024 – Family Friendly Festivals 2024

Herefordshire, Thursday 18th -21st July 2024

Tickets for Nozstock Festival, which will take place 18th-24th July 2024, are on sale now.

(http://nozstock.com/tickets/

“The festival’s ethos is about bringing play to everyone, in whatever form it can. Nozstock believes in the value of entertainment, participation, and contribution. It’s an ever-changing event with a clear agenda; to invite conversation, interaction and serious recreation. Above all, Nozstock The Hidden Valley is a blissful family festival that caters to all ages with activities that little ones can enjoy and entertainment for teens, students, seasoned festivalites, party-starters and grandparents.”

To read our reviews of nozstock.com just click here for 2016 and here for 2017!

Nozstock The Hidden Valley | Family Friendly Festival www.minitravellers.co.uk

7. Latitude 2024 – Family Festivals 2024

Suffolk, 25th-28th July 2024

Latitude Festival 2024 will take place in the beautiful Henham Park, Suffolk.

It’s no wonder Latitude has previously won Best Family Festival and ‘Best Family Day Out’. It’s a top family-friendly festival! With activities and entertainment for kids, teens and families now spread across three exciting areas.

A proper pop festival on the beautiful grounds of Henham Park, Suffolk.  Arranged around the Latitude Lake is a stunning Kids’ Area, where children are entertained with fire shows, pizza-making, traditional woodland crafts and exciting science experiments. There is also an Inbetweeners’ Teen Area. Teenagers can participate in music, media, fashion and technology workshops or learn wildlife survival skills here.

Weekend Standard/Family Camping Ticket: latitudefestival.com

Dates of the Top 15 Family Friendly Festivals 2017 www.minitravellers.co.uk
Goldilocks, The Bookworm Players

Bluedot 2024 – Family Festivals UK 2024

Jodrell Bank Cheshire, Taking a Break in 2024

Bluedot is a music, science and culture event held annually in July since 2016 at Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire. It combines music, live science experiments, expert talks and immersive artworks – but how does that make Bludeot a Family Friendly Festival?

When a festival makes it look cool to be a scientist, when learning is celebrated, and when talks about space are as exciting as the music headliners, this sends a brilliant message to the kids.

8 Reasons Bluedot Festival is a Family Friendly Festival

You can read ten reasons why Bluedot is a Family Friendly Festival here. But you can also check out this fab video from the Twinkle Diaries with whom we spent the weekend.

Weekend Camping Ticket – https://www.discoverthebluedot.com/

8. Starry Village 2024 – Barton Hill Farm, Kentchurch, Herefordshire

The first edition of Starry Village, an iteration of Starry Skies, will take place between 25th – 28th July 2024, on Barton Hill Farm, Kentchurch, Herefordshire. Still run by Kambe Events – the award-winning team behind Shambala Festival, it remains a ‘safe space for curious kids and the adults who love them, to play, learn, create and enjoy music.’

The Black Mountains provide the dramatic backdrop to this dark sky reserve. Not only is it incredibly scenic, there are plenty of activities for kids – who can roam free, grown ups and those young at heart.

Expect fantastic live music from the Shambala festival bookers, that winds up in time for everyone to get a good night’s kip! There’ll be boot-stomping, sea-faring, shanty madness from Old Time Sailors, uplifting and vibrant Malawian melodies from Madalitso Band and sunny-side-up rhythm and blues from Nookee, just for starters.

Adventure play royalty, The Woodland Tribe, will be on hand to help kids (and their grown ups) build their own playgrounds and towering treehouses, deep in the woods. Kids of all ages can enjoy forest school and bushcraft sessions and even the legendary giant water slide!

Costumes at the ready for the annual Fancy Dress Disco (this year’s theme is ‘When I Grow Up’). It gets the whole family limbered up and ready for some deliciously silly Everyday Olympic Games, Starry Village style.

Older kids will be able to get stuck into DJ workshops and can even learn how to live loop and build bars and beats to create their own tracks, to perform on the main stage. There will be parkour for those brave and nimble enough to give it a go.

For the grown ups, expect heaps of treats and pampering options. From wine and beer tasting to massages and sauna sessions. Learn to cook a sustainable feast over a fire with our on-site chefs, or just kick back around the crackling campfire with like minded folk, over a pint of something delicious.

Starry Village 2024
Photo credit: Magpie-Eye Kids

9. Standon Calling 2024 – Family Friendly Festivals 2024

25th -28th of July 2024 Standon, Hertfordshire

Standon Calling always delivers the epitome of the British summer festival experience, and following an incredible show last July reveals a substantial first wave of names for the ultimate fun-filled four-day camping weekender, happening 25th-28th July 2024, including Years & Years, Self Esteem, Bloc Party and my personal favourite The Human League.

Funky house star Katy B will be bringing the beats to the new look Electric Willows stage – Standon’s home of dance, nestled in the atmospheric woodland – and will be joined by a range of impeccable DJs, including Erol AlkanGirls Don’t SyncGirls of The InternetJaguar and more to be revealed. 

What makes this magic come to life is the immersive world of fun surrounding the superbly handpicked musical bill. Few festivals offer its onsite swimming pool and riverside hot tubs, a famous dog show and a colourful costume parade.

Comedy Line Up

The dedicated comedy lineup is set to expand again, having previously seen big names like Phil Wang, Milton Jones, Russell Kane and Zoe Lyons! Take the mic over on The Lawn stage, alongside illuminating talks from leading voices. Expect a packed weekend of free well-being classes and workshops, plus everything from circus cabaret to immersive theatre, and of course, an unbelievable selection of the UK’s finest street food vendors, as Standon proves year after year to be the ultimate foodie destination. 

Standon Calling is such a fun event, providing the perfect family-friendly environment for experiencing all the joys of a festival, with a wealth of entertainment and activities for all ages to explore. All the big names are there in 2024.

You can buy tickets here: https://standon-calling.com/

Read our full review of Standon Calling in 2022

Top Tips if you're heading to Camp Bestival in 2019

10. Deer Shed Festival 2024 – Family Friendly Festivals 2024

26th-29th July 2024 Topcliffe, North Yorkshire

It’s the people that make Deer Shed Festival so great! The success of this family-friendly festival is its ability to cater for everyone and seeing how much fun the babies, children and teens have side by side, instils the festivals aim….. Family-friendly.  From wash time for babies all sitting in little wash pots overflowing with bubbles; to an abundance of art tents for children to make just about anything, to the science tent where you can be lost for days in exploring the universe with The University of York, to soldering circuit boards.

Our reviewer asked many parents what they liked most about the festival set-up, and they all said … the size. Having a short walk from your car to the campsite and onto the festival site was a huge bonus. You can pop back to your tent for lunch or children’s afternoon naps, and the music tents are all within easy striking distance.

Deer Shed 10 was a bit wet, so here are Six Top Tips for Surviving a muddy festival and our review of day 1.

Here is what we thought of Deer Shed 9 and top tips for Deer Shed Festival 2019! 

You can read reviews of Deer Shed 8 (with a toddler), Deer Shed 7 and Deer Shed 6 by clicking the links!

Full Weekend http://deershedfestival.com

Top Tips if you're heading to Deer Shed Festival in 2019

11. Camp Bestival 2024, Lulworth Castle – Family Friendly Festivals 2024

Dorset, 25th-28th July 2024

Four nights of camping doesn’t seem like enough time. Those who have been to Camp Bestival rave about it! A fellow blogger friend of mine, Caro, at Twinkle Diaries, wrote at least five posts about it, and I’ll link to one here but do search her site for more posts on this well-known family festival.

Caro’s view is, “There are so many small boutique festivals all over the country.  Family, art and food festivals — festivals that cater to all kinds of musical persuasion — whatever your taste, there will surely be a festival to suit you.  But if you have children, Camp Bestival is one of — if not —  the best festivals you can go to.” High praise indeed!

Here in this blog post is what we thought and how to get the most out of Camp Bestival 2022 if you decide to go!

You can also read our review of Camp Bestival Dorset 2022 here.

You can also read Chelsea Mamma’s review of Camp Bestival from 2021!

And why not check out our video too?

You can also read Munchies & Munchkins 5 Top Reasons to Attend Camp Bestival!

Weekend Tickets: campbestival.net 

Should I book Camp Bestival Dorset or Camp Bestival Shropshire for 2024?
Should I book Camp Bestival Dorset or Camp Bestival Shropshire for 2024?

Family Friendly Festivals In August 2024

12. Kendal Calling 2024 – Family Friendly Festivals 2024

Lowther Deer Park, Lake District, Kendal Calling 2nd-4th August 2024

On the website, Kendal Calling says,” The festival is safe and family-friendly. Great music and kids’ area, and carnival-themed crafts. There is a dedicated kids area (Kids Calling) with everything from a mothers and babies tent to workshops for teens and all ages. As part of the standard ticket, they have a dedicated Family Campsite.

As well as that, we recommend the Emperors Fields campsite to families as it is smaller in size and has all the facilities in one place. However, we must remind all that kids remain the responsibility of their parents & guardians and not the festival.”

There is a fab review of Kendal Calling 2019 showing why you need to head to Kendal Calling 2022, together with a brilliant video from The Twinkle Diaries.

To find out what Kendal Calling with Under 5’s is like, read this review by Alicia, who visited with 3 Under 5’s.

Potty Adventures has an excellent review of their trip to Kendal Calling with kids here and our latest review of Kendal Calling with a Baby from 2017.

Weekend Camping – www.kendalcalling.com

13. Valley Fest 2024

Chew Valley Lake, Somerset 1st -4th August 2024

Valley Fest is the best-tasting music festival in the South West. The weekend is perfect for first-time festival-goers and families of all ages.

THAT view! The event occurs alongside the glittering Chew Valley Lake with the rolling Mendip hills in the background. It’s only 9 miles from Bristol and Bath—Showcasing Bristol’s live music scene and refined local food producers. You can expect everything from charcuterie to cider, street food to sit-down feasts – all with plenty of Somerset style and sizzle.

www.valleyfest.co.uk

14. Deva Fest 2024

Deva Fest is BACK from the 8th – 11th of August at the beautiful Cholmondeley Castle Gardens in Cheshire.  

Deva Fest is a great value family-friendly four-day extravaganza of music, comedy, camping, family entertainment, including the popular free-to-ride fairground, and fabulous handpicked food and drink stalls from local suppliers. 

Now in their fourth year, this year they are set to have the best line up yet! 

Headliners this year include:  

  • The Human League  
  • Ocean Colour Scene  
  • The Coral  
  • Rebecca Ferguson  
  • Symphonic Ibiza  
  • Sleeper  
  • Toyah & Robert 
  • The Amy Winehouse Band  
  • East-17 

A fourth night has been added to the festival, Thursday August 8, allowing campers to arrive early to the festival, with performances on the Heart and Soul Stage, including singer and songwriter, Tom Speight. 

Single night camping tickets, as well as day, weekend, and a range of camping options, are available to purchase, with guests being able to secure any package for £50 paying the balance off in instalments. 

Ticketholders will be able to access shuttle buses from nearby towns, including Ellesmere Port, Chester, Wrexham, Rossett, Gresford, Tarporley, Tattenhall and Holt. On-site parking is offered all weekend for those travelling to the venue by car. 

Find out more and book tickets today - https://devafest.co.uk/

Deva Fest

15. Camp Bestival Shropshire 17th-20th August 2024

Camp Bestival launched its sister festival to the ever-famous Camp Bestival Dorset at Weston Park in 2022 and it was a HUGE success.

Following hot on the heels of the pioneering Dorset-based jamboree in July, Camp Bestival Shropshire was a brand-new, stand-alone event bringing all the unique and essential family-friendly elements of the original Camp Bestival to the heart of England. 

It was excellent, and here are some fabulous reviews of the weekend.

Camp Bestival Shropshire 2022 Review

Camp Bestival Shropshire 2023 Review

https://shropshire.campbestival.net/

Should I book Camp Bestival Dorset or Camp Bestival Shropshire for 2024?
Should I book Camp Bestival Dorset or Camp Bestival Shropshire for 2024?

16. Festival of Sport 2025

Packington Estate, 1-4th August 2025!!! – Taking a break in 2024

A weekend of family fun with sporting legends! Festival of Sport is the ultimate family sports festival, with entertainment, camping, competitions and coaching from world-class sporting legends for kids aged 5 -17, all set within the stunning grounds of the Holkham Estate in Norfolk and founded by rugby stars Will Greenwood and Austin Healey.

For more information and to book tickets, please visit www.festivalofsportuk.com

17. Hardwick Festival 2024

Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield 16th-18th August 2024

Hardwick Festival is the biggest event of its kind in the Northeast and continues to support the local music scene through its commitment to showcasing the best emerging talent from across the region

Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and beautiful setting, the event organisers at Hardwick Festival offer an array of amazing experiences for all ages. Nestled within the wooded area and by the top lawn is a dedicated children’s area filled to the brim with child-friendly entertainment, including magic shows, ventriloquists, Punch & Judy, children’s workshops, interactive discos, and a fun fair. There are rides for all ages of kids from big inflatable slides and merry go rounds for the smaller kids through to dodgems and fairground thrill rides for the adults. 

Hardwick Festival 2024 has, without doubt, booked its most ambitious, bold and diverse line-up to date and welcomes a range of big names such as Richard Ashcroft, Snow Patrol, Sophie Ellis-Bexter,‘Soldier’s Eyes’ star Jack Savoretti and The Charlatans.

Over 30,000 people attended last August’s Hardwick Festival weekender where crowds took in memorable performances from the likes of Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Mel C and The Kooks. 

https://hardwickfestival.co.uk/

Hardwick Festival 2024

18. The Gloworm Festival 2024

Holme Pierrepont Country Park, Nottinghamshire 16th-18th August 2024

The Gloworm Festival is a brilliant 3 day Festival that has been especially created for grown ups and their little people. They invite their festival goers to play in a warm, welcoming and creative environment, loose their inhibitions, let their hair down and have some fun. At the Gloworm Festival, they believe that Children are the most important people in the world, which is why this event is aimed at families with Children aged 0-13, with plenty for teenagers and grown ups to enjoy too.

2024 will see the festival return for its 8th year, but in a new location with a lineup that will delight both little and big kids alike! Pop along and enjoy your favourite TV Stars,  boogie on down to some brilliant bands, and join in some of the many workshops and activities the festival has to offer.

What makes this festival extra special is all the entertainment is included in the ticket cost so there are no hidden extras, apart from the fairground which is free until 5pm daily.

You can buy tickets to Gloworm Festival here.

The Gloworm Festival 2023

19. The Just So Festival 2024

Rode Hall Estate, Cheshire, 16-18th August 2024

Tickets for Just So Festival 2024 are on sale now.

An annual, intimate, weekend-long camping festival for children and their families, the Just So Festival provides an imaginative outdoor adventure like no other, showcasing the best art, music, literature, comedy and theatre for families in a wondrous landscape of woodland clearings, rolling parkland, arboreal amphitheatres and lakeside spots in the Rode Hall Estate, Cheshire.

Just So was awarded Best Festival in 2015 (You can read our review here!) and our reviews of 2015 and 2016 (yes, we love it!) and is the only combined arts festival dedicated solely to families in the UK.

You can also read another review by Actually Mummy and find 9 Foodie Experiences from Just-So Festival by Tin Box Traveller.

Here are our Top Tips for Just So Festival here!

justsofestival.org.uk 

20. Camp Kindling 2024 – Summer Camp or Festival?

Sevenoaks, Kent 16th-19th August 2024

Camp Kindling– billed as a Summer camp for families, is an activity camp by day and a festival by night. 

Every family member needs a ticket, and there are age-group tickets for kids. Babies are free of charge as most activities are unsuitable for them. However, there is a creche, nanny service and soft play, a sand pit and a mud kitchen for the tiny ones.

I would say most activities are suitable for 5+, although to experience all activities fully, I think 6-10 is the perfect age range for the festival. You enrol for activities before the weekend starts. Not all activities need to be paid for by your credits: many activities are free and run on a drop-in basis. The events run on a timetable from 8 am to 5 pm, with music/comedy/talks/story-time starting from 5 pm on a drop-in basis.

You can find out more in our full review of Camp Kindling here.

Review | Camp Kindling Festival- the Summer Camp for Families

21. The Long Road Festival – Family Friendly Festivals 2024

Stanford Hall, Leicestershire 23-25th August 2024

The Long Road Festival is a fabulous fusion of good time country music, sensational food, great entertainment and community spirit! One of the best family festivals we have been to and one I would happily return to year on year with or without the kids.

Spanning from 23rd-25th August in 2024 The Long Road Festival turns Stanford Hall in Leicestershire into a Nashville- inspired haven for music lovers and families. Imagine fun filled days where the kids are entertained with  American camp style games and crafting  and evenings are spent under the stars, around open camp fires , listening to country music and drinking moonshine cocktails.

You can read our full review of The Long Road Festival in 2023 here.

The Long Road Festival | Review 2023

22. Towersey Festival – Family Friendly Festivals 2024

Thame, Oxfordshire, Towersey 23rd-26th August 2024

One of the longest-running independent music festivals in the UK (54 years and counting). Towersey’s family appeal spans generations of attendees attracted by the relaxed, friendly vibe. Although it’s always had a robust family-friendly offer, Towersey’s All About Children strand (launched in 2016) builds on its previous programme for 5-11 year-olds, emphasising creativity, play and discovery.

Activities range from Kindergym and Stone Age skills to bedtime stories and a festival choir, while daily lantern-making sessions culminate in an impressive dusk parade on the final night. There’s plenty to do for ages 11+, including DJ workshops, a Big Build challenge, theatre workshops, and space to hang out.

This year’s line-up for the four-day festival includes legendary folk rock singer songwriters BILLY BRAGG and SETH LAKEMAN,female folk trio THE STAVES, Scottish folk rockers TIDE LINES and American singer-songwriter POKEY LAFARGE. Other highlights of the eclectic line-up include a career-spanning set from the godfathers of punk folk OYSTERBAND, Radio 2 and BBC 6 Music favourites THE HAWKMEN, and Paul Simon’s iconic Graceland reimagined by the LONDON AFRICAN GOSPEL CHOIR, with more than 40 other musical acts across four days and more opportunities for buskers and open mic spots. This year also sees the introduction of a Comedy, Film and Literature programme, curated by renowned Bath-based musical comedian GAVIN OSBORN.

www.towerseyfestival.com

Towersey Festival

23. The Big Feastival 2024 – Family Friendly Festivals 2024

Cotswolds, Big Feastival 23rd-25th August 2024

It started with the food, but the Big Festival is now more than that. It’s held on ex-Blur bassist Alex James’s Cotswold farm and is always a mixture of fabulous food and high-end celebrity spotting. This year the lineup includes Rick Astley, Mel C and Example.

There is much for the smaller people to do with cookery classes and a Little Dudes’ Den, which includes face painting, jam sessions and giant haystacks—a perfect family-friendly festival for foodies.

https://thebigfeastival.com/

The Big Feastival 2019 - Family Friendly Festivals 2019

24. Carfest 2024

Laverstoke Park Farm, Overton, Hampshire 23rd – 25th August 2024

CarFest is an annual family-friendly festival held in the United Kingdom that combines live music, cars, and food. It was created by Chris Evans. The event features car displays, track events, live performances from various musicians, food stalls, and family entertainment.

At KidsFest, children can delight at live performances on the Pudsey’s Spot stage, where they will have the chance to meet their favourite characters from CBeebies and CBBC – including Basil Brush, Postman Pat and the Teletubbies. But that’s not all! From burning energy on the sports field, to unleashing their creativity at the Art Club, there is no shortage of fun. 

Across at AdventureFest, thrill-seekers can take part in a variety of exhilarating activities, from getting close to creepy crawlies, to learning essential life skills at workshops hosted by world explorers. There will also be plenty of opportunities to enjoy all things outdoors, such as archery, donkey derby and rock climbing. 

25. Victorious Portsmouth Festival 2024 – Family Friendly Festivals 2024

Portsmouth, 23rd-25th August 2024

Victorious Festival is the UK’s Biggest Metropolitan festival combining three days of family fun with unique artists to give you an incredible weekend of fun.

You can read a more comprehensive review of Victorious Festival here, but a quote from it sums it up for families here.

“Victorious Festival is reasonable. £35 for a day ticket is just amazing. Considering how much you are getting for your money, it is such a bargain. I did feel like Victorious Festival gave the most for its money of all the festivals I have been to with the kids, with things like children’s fairground rides being free! That’s just unheard of usually, and it’s so nice to say yes, kids fill your boots without worrying about the hole burning through your purse.”

Note: There is no camping on-site at Victorious Festival; allocated camping sites nearby provide a shuttle bus service. Parking is available on-site at a charge and does require pre-booking. 

https://www.victoriousfestival.co.uk/

26. Gone Wild with Bear Grylls Festival 2024

Powderham Castle, Devon, 22nd-25th August 2024

One of the UK’s fastest growing family festivals – Gone Wild Festival 2024 with Bear Grylls!

Adventure Activities: Dive in to family-friendly activities & shows which will keep you entertained throughout the 4 days all included in the ticket price! This year there will be more activities, with more capacity and a new format with additional premium experiences available too. 

Get up close and personal with global explorers, athletes, and conservationists. Gain insights from their experiences and ignite your passion for adventure and environmental conservation. 

Camping Included: Included in the ticket price is 4 days camping so you don’t have to worry about extra costs for pitching up. We also have camping extras available if you want to upgrade your stay, with brand new options like pre-pitched tents and belle tents for 2024 now on sale too. 

You could also stay off site at one of the many Caravan Parks In Devon.

A festival surrounded by breath-taking landscapes, exciting challenges, and the wisdom of Bear Grylls himself. From survival workshops to inspiring talks, this festival is your gateway to a world of wild possibilities.

Book Now: https://www.gonewildfestival.com/tickets/ Embrace the Wild! 

27. Into the Trees Festival 2024

East Sussex, 6-8 September 2024

Run by the team behind the award winning Elderflower Fields festival, and set in the same beautiful location of Pippingford Park in East Sussex. Into the Trees aims to bring balance into the busy lives of children, parents and grandparents.  A chance to spend precious time together in nature and try a host of outdoor activities. Take part in art, nature and sport, enjoy new experiences with the family, or simply slow down and relax in the beautiful wild Sussex playground.

We had Mini Travellers visit in 2019 so do read their review of Into the Trees to find out what they thought.

Into the Trees Festival | Family Friendly Festival

What Sort Of Activities Would You Expect To Find At A Family Festival?

Family-friendly festivals have it all; many activities usually cater to all ages and interests. Live performances are a common feature, ranging from music concerts and dance shows to theatrical productions and storytelling sessions.

Plus, arts and crafts are also popular, with workshops where families can create art pieces using various materials and techniques. Interactive games, such as giant inflatables, carnival games, and obstacle courses, provide entertainment for children and adults alike.

Food and drink options are plentiful! Various vendors offer everything from gourmet cuisine to classic festival snacks. Additionally, educational workshops may be available, covering topics such as sustainability, cultural awareness, and science experiments. With so many diverse activities, family-friendly festivals provide an ideal opportunity for families to spend quality time together and create lasting memories.

Did you love this guide to the best family festivals in 2023? Dates will be updated as they become available. Also, check out Caro’s guide to UK Festivals with dates for 2023 and Katys Van life festival guide; if you have a camper van this is a must.

We are a nation of festival lovers. It seems we love nothing more than live music, performance and dance, and arts and crafts in a field with rain, sun, and lots of mud. We have also recently gone nuts for Family Friendly Festivals, and here at Mini Travellers, we have loads and loads of Family Friendly Festival reviews for you to check out before you decide to book one!

Top Family Friendly Festivals 2019

Read more of our Family Friendly Festival Posts >